BBC visits Oisin Gallen’s primary school ahead of All-Ireland Football final

BBC Newsline paid a special visit to St Aengus’ National School in Bridgend this week, as excitement builds across Donegal ahead of the All-Ireland final against Kerry.
Despite being in the middle of their summer holidays, hundreds of children were only too happy to go to school for the day – proudly donning their Donegal jerseys and the green and gold county colours. The school grounds were a sea of flags, face paint and shrieks of excitement as BBC reporter Kieran Tourish recorded a feature to be aired in the run-up to Sunday’s final.

A key reason for the strong interest in the school is none other than county star, Master Gallen.
The All Star corner forward, who teaches second class at St Aengus’, has become a beloved figure among the pupils – not just for his on-field heroics but for his work in the classroom.
After previous rounds of the championship, Oisin Gallen has been swamped by youngsters streaming onto the pitch seeking photos and autographs from their favourite teacher.
“Oisin is a great role model within the school,” said school principal Seamus McGowan. “We’ve a number of sporty teachers with a great interest in passing on their knowledge to the children.
“The children are out training every morning, and at breaktime and lunchtime, and Oisin is out there along with the other teachers and SNAs mucking in.
“It brings the children on no end. They have great enthusiasm, and they love nothing more than to be kicking the ball over and back and to be hitting it over and back with Oisin and all the other teachers.”

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The school has a rich tradition in Gaelic games and is an active participant in the Cumann na mBunscol Division 1 football and hurling competitions. The girls’ camogie team also tasted success this year, underlining the sporting culture that runs through the school.

Children interviewed by BBC Newsline spoke passionately about their pride in Donegal and their admiration for their teacher, Master Gallen. Some proudly showed off signed jerseys and football boots, while others recalled moments when they’d seen him play live – either from the stands or on television.
“When I go to matches, I see so many people from Bridgend and Burnfoot and Burt with the children who attend the school,” Mr McGowan continued. “On TV, I’d often spot the children in the crowd. There’s a great atmosphere in the school, and on the Monday morning after the matches the playground is full of chat about the match. Oisin always has the time to talk with the children, or do a photo with them at hometime, or sign their jerseys or boots. And he enjoys it.”
Earlier this season, Oisin brought the Anglo-Celt Cup into the school after Donegal’s Ulster final victory over Armagh – a moment of huge celebration for the pupils and staff alike.

With Sam Maguire now tantalisingly within reach, hopes are high that another special visitor could be on the way after the holidays.
“I’m a Galway man, but when Galway are no longer in the championship I’m happy to see Donegal having a go,” Mr McGowan said.
“I think they have a great chance, with Mr Gallen scoring maybe 2-5 in the final and bringing Sam across the bridge at Lifford.
“He has the dedication and has put in a huge amount of work to his game. He’s a really good footballer, but he’s an even better teacher and we’re very proud to have him in our school.”

The BBC feature will offer a colourful insight into how this Donegal team has captured the hearts of a community – and especially the pupils at St Aengus’ NS, who are dreaming of seeing Sam Maguire come to their school.